# Tasks & work activities — radiation therapist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1224.00 (Radiologists).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Participate in quality improvement activities including discussions of areas where risk of error is high.
- **[Core]** Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and develop expertise.
- **[Core]** Establish or enforce standards for protection of patients or personnel.
- **[Core]** Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.
- **[Core]** Recognize or treat complications during and after procedures, including blood pressure problems, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.
- **[Core]** Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
- **[Core]** Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.
- **[Core]** Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses.
- **[Core]** Instruct radiologic staff in desired techniques, positions, or projections.
- **[Core]** Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.
- **[Core]** Develop or monitor procedures to ensure adequate quality control of images.
- **[Core]** Coordinate radiological services with other medical activities.
- **[Core]** Provide counseling to radiologic patients to explain the processes, risks, benefits, or alternative treatments.
- **[Core]** Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
- **[Core]** Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.
- **[Supplemental]** Develop treatment plans for radiology patients.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform interventional procedures such as image-guided biopsy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, transhepatic biliary drainage, or nephrostomy catheter placement.
- **[nan]** Administer radioisotopes to clinical patients or research subjects.
- **[nan]** Advise other physicians of the clinical indications, limitations, assessments, or risks of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radioactive materials.
- **[nan]** Calculate, measure, or prepare radioisotope dosages.
- **[nan]** Check and approve the quality of diagnostic images before patients are discharged.
- **[nan]** Compare nuclear medicine procedures with other types of procedures, such as computed tomography, ultrasonography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography.
- **[nan]** Direct nuclear medicine technologists or technicians regarding desired dosages, techniques, positions, and projections.
- **[nan]** Establish and enforce radiation protection standards for patients and staff.
- **[nan]** Formulate plans and procedures for nuclear medicine departments.
- **[nan]** Monitor handling of radioactive materials to ensure that established procedures are followed.
- **[nan]** Prescribe radionuclides and dosages to be administered to individual patients.
- **[nan]** Review procedure requests and patients' medical histories to determine applicability of procedures and radioisotopes to be used.
- **[nan]** Teach nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology, or other specialties at graduate educational level.
- **[nan]** Test dosage evaluation instruments and survey meters to ensure they are operating properly.

## Detailed work activities

- Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.
- Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
- Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
- Calculate numerical data for medical activities.
- Check quality of diagnostic images.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
- Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
- Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
- Determine protocols for medical procedures.
- Develop healthcare quality and safety procedures.
- Develop medical treatment plans.
- Evaluate treatment options to guide medical decisions.
- Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
- Gather medical information from patient histories.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
- Manage healthcare operations.
- Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
- Monitor the handling of hazardous materials or medical wastes.
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Operate on patients to treat conditions.
- Prepare medications or medical solutions.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Prescribe medications.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Send information, materials or documentation.
- Supervise patient care personnel.
- Train medical providers.
- Verify accuracy of patient information.
- Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards.